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"An eye for an eye,..."

"You have hear that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Mt 5.38-39

Interpretation- Jesus is 'fulfilling' Old Testament regulations, by pointing to a deeper integration of the Law into a person's heart. Resisting evil, which is clearly an imperative from a legalistic view, is now overturned with a deeper orientation from the heart- that of acceptance and love (this will be clarified in other passages). Jesus is directing listeners into compassionate acceptance, which goes hand in hand with unconditional love...as God loves.

This shift into compassion is even more important today. Weapons technology magnifies the effect hatred and violence have on our 'neigbors' (and this beautiful planet we ALL live on.) Jesus, in his brilliant insightfulness, cuts to the core of how we should 'see' with our hearts, to be healed and enter into God's kingdom- 'Do not resist evil'.

Matthew

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